There is a point in which all the music in the world, all that you have ever listened to all boils down to how it makes you feel, you can analyse the guitar, the fretwork, the notes, the absolute genius of it all, all you want. In the end though it comes down to the way the writer, the player, makes you feel and in Lauren Davenport there is an emotion waiting to pour itself out onto the page that is wonderfully unique.

As part of the We Shall Overcome week of music, the audience and the casual onlooker who found themselves inside Sound Food and Drink were treated to the pleasant envelopment, the musical cuddle, of Lauren Davenport, a woman who is prepared to work hard to make the song, regardless of whether it is one of her own compositions or a much admired cover version, and work hard she does.

The sound of a guitar is always distinctive, it can cut through the babble of conversation even when gently performed, the chord or the melody hanging in the air, slowly cutting through the frosted remains of inane talk and the gibberish of a Saturday afternoon where beer and the filling of time is always more of a consideration. In the gentle yet soothing style of Ms. Davenport, conversation can wait, it can become stilled and textured as her voice placates the spirits and aided by Steve Scully, is rich enough to open a bank account in a sustainable and properly managed bank account.

With songs such as Help Me Make It Through The Night, Johnny Cash’s Ring Of Fire, Let It Go and the original tracks of Bar With A Country Song and I Run To You all making an appearance, the mood was enhanced by the on-going craft of Ms. Davenport, quietly spoken but dominate in her style, a treasure awaiting the moment of reveal and one that is already bountiful.

Ian D. Hall